Where do you want to live is probably the wrong question. It should be more, how do you want to live? What is it about living in the country that draws so many people? Why do some gravitate to the city? As a realtor in the West Michigan area, I find people and their living habits fascinating. As a person describes what they are looking for in a home, you start to think of the scene in your mind. What makes someone choose living outside of the city as opposed to living inside the city? What is the definition of country to you and what is the city? What is even more interesting is the fact that most people are very definitive about the type they are. “I am definitely a country bumpkin”, or “I love the city!”
A look at the City Dwellers
What quantifies as city to most people? As I look at West Michigan, Grand Rapids is definitely the main metro area. When you look at a map, there are several cities that make up greater Grand Rapids in Michigan—Forest Hills, Wyoming, Walker, Grandville, Jenison, Kentwood, etc. Then there are also the smaller metro areas of Holland and Grand Haven that are separated from Grand Rapids yet still small cities. These are the geographic characteristics of West Michigan, but is there something else that contributes to a feeling of city or country?
In my minds eye, the definition of city is any continuous blocks of activities made up of homes and businesses. Another great interpretation would be any where there is a lot of sidewalk and concrete . . . hence the concrete jungle? Mowing the lawn is easy, because the lots are small. How about any place there is more than one high rise building and lots of light and noise? The city is all about the non-stop barrage of information, crowds and traffic. If you can ride a city bus, you are most likely in the city. Many people say they love the hustle and bustle of the city. They never feel alone because homes are very close by and grouped together with the businesses they need. Yet in the city, you can meld in and become a face in the crowd. Does the city give a sense of security in some ways and sense of anonymity in others?
A Look at the Country Bumpkins
In what way is the country different? Geographically, when I think of West Michigan the towns of Allendale, Coopersville, Ada, Caledonia, Zeeland, Byron Center, and Sparta come to mind. These areas surround Grand Rapids to the North, East, South and West, yet most are within 30 minutes of Grand Rapids. Most have their sub-divisions but for the most part, they still hold the small town feel. But what is the essence of these places called the country?
When asked about the definition of country, these small town areas give you a different feeling. Could it be the opportunity to unwind on the drive home through open country with no bumper-to-bumper traffic? Do the horses grazing lazily in the fields give you a sense of calmness? Out in the country, where it gets truly dark, the stars can be seen so clearly. Does the definition include large areas of expansive trees, woods and golden wheat fields swaying in the wind? Unlike the city, it is harder to just meld in—you run into people you know regularly and you don’t have any problem going into your neighbor’s shed to borrow a garden tool. The people in the country seem to know that, yes, occasionally you will loose your electric because all the lines are no longer underground. But they are willing to put up the small, occasional inconvenience to be able to ride their snowmobiles and quads in the vast expanse of land around them.
To me the city and the country are more feelings and ways of life than geographical positions. It is the feelings they create. Many of us adapt to what works at the time, but down deep . . . . .do you consider yourself a city dweller or a country bumpkin?
Barn Picture courtesy of my freind Judy Revell
Gina VanLaar 5K run in 
Memorial Day my husband and I, our two teenagers, and my daughter's boyfriend went for a walk out on the Grand Haven pier. First thing I realized immediately was that I was going to freeze as I had forgotten my coat. As we briskly walked down the pier I noticed a new building and wondered what was up with that. What I found out was that was no ordinary building and that my little community was going 